A solution to improve the thermal efficiency of the exterior shell of a building using natural non-woven composite materials

Silkworm cocoons are a biological structure and a natural compound that develop over time and responds well to the environmental conditions for silkworms. Understanding the relationships of cocoon structure inspires the creation of composite structures such as low-weight, high-strength nonwoven bio composites. By means of a descriptive-analytical method and logical reasoning, in this study, in addition to introducing the cocoon structure, we try to offer materials as a non-woven bio composite, using sericin cocoon and natural fibers which for various reasons such as being light, non-polluted, abundant, and low-cost can be a suitable alternative to artificial fibers. These materials are recyclable and suitable in terms of stability and energy consumption; therefore, they can be used as thermal and moisture insulation. This function is simulated and analyzed for the hot and dry climate of Kashan city in the outer shell of the building using the Hani Bee energy analysis plugin in the Grasshopper environment. The results show that the proposed non-woven bio composite can help improve, by up to 12.7%, the thermal performance of the building and decrease the movement of heat between the inner and outer space compared to the same building without thermal insulation in its outer shell.